NSL: Malo hat-trick sinks Kisumu as Mwatate stun Gucha to keep survival hopes alive

Eavns Ochieng ‘Chicha’ Malo delivered a masterclass at Dandora Stadium on Saturday, netting a clinical hat-trick as FC Talanta thrashed Kisumu All Stars 5-1 to tighten their grip on the National Super League (NSL) promotion race.

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Talanta wasted little time asserting dominance as Douglas Kibet broke the deadlock in the 20th minute before Malo, the former Kariobangi Sharks forward, struck twice in quick succession, in the 21st and 39th minutes, to put the contest firmly in the hosts’ control.

Wycliffe Opuro briefly threatened a response when he pulled one back for Kisumu in the 25th minute, but Talanta’s attacking rhythm never dipped.

Robert Muite added the fourth in the 89th minute, and Malo completed his treble deep into stoppage time (90+2) to cap an emphatic display.

The hat-trick comes just a week after Malo’s decisive strike secured a 1-0 win over Luanda Villa, taking his tally to four goals in two matches, timely form as the promotion push gathers pace.

The victory extends Talanta’s unbeaten run to five matches, with Jackson Gatheru’s side winning their last four.

Backed by sponsors Communication Authority of Kenya, the club now sits five points shy of the promotion slots and firmly in contention with momentum on their side.

For Duncan Otieno-coached Kisumu, however, the defeat raises fresh concerns as the lakeside outfit remains in deep trouble, sitting 18th with 18 points, and firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.

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Mwatate United 3-1 Gucha Stars

While Kisumu stumbled in Nairobi, Mwatate United produced one of their most important results of the season at Wundanyi Stadium in Taita Taveta, dispatching Gucha Stars 3-1 to breathe life into their survival bid.

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Davies Wekesa struck twice before Joshua Ayiega sealed the victory, with Steve Odongo grabbing a late consolation for Gucha in the final ten minutes.

“We were sure of the win. We are going to fight, and the boys understood the plan. We have maximum points, and now we plan for the next one.

We are going to ensure the team keeps winning. The fans can be assured we are surviving relegation,” Mwatate assistant coach Ali Ochieng told Mozzart Sport.

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Heading into the match, Mwatate had endured a four-game winless run, with their last victory coming against FC Talanta at the start of the year.

Saturday’s result lifts them from 19th to 17th on the table, level on points with Kisumu and just one point behind 16th-placed Darajani Gogo, who sit on 19.

Naivas FC 3-0 Luanda Villa

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At the Kenya Institute of Highway Building and Technology (KIHBT), Naivas continued their steady rise with a commanding 3-0 win over Luanda Villa.

John Kelwish, Emmanuel Lunalo and Collins Ouma were on target for the retailers, handing Elvis Ayani’s side their second consecutive win to show their growing consistency in the second half of the campaign.

Luanda’s struggles, meanwhile, deepened with the defeat, leaving them winless in seven matches, five of which have ended in losses.

Mozzart Sport understands that head coach Francis Chinjili has resigned, with former Bunyore Starlets coach Absalom Mariga stepping in on the touchline for the Luanda-based outfit.

Villa remain 15th on the table with 22 points after 22 matches, but the pressure is mounting.

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Kibera Black Stars 1-0 Kabati Youth

At Gems Cambridge, Kibera Black Stars bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Equity Bank FC with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kabati Youth.

Donald Omwanda scored the only goal of the match, finishing off an assist from debutant Joshua Melo.

“I am happy to make my debut with three points. My aim here is to help take the club to the league. After this match we are going to build our mindset positively and try to win the remaining games,” Melo said after the final whistle.

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